Some call Warner Robins the international city a mixture of cultures brought in by Robins Air Force Base, living and eating harmoniously, eager to share their culture with you. Expect to find eateries from almost all over the world.
Emilios Cuban Café, located just south of Warner Robins in Bonaire, is a Mecca for Latinos in the area. The marriage of the upbeat atmosphere and good food has earned Emilios the title of my favorite restaurant.
The dark wood tones and the homey architecture give you the feeling that youre eating in someones dining room. Add to that tables full of people and you have a good, old-fashioned Cuban family dinner. On Saturday nights, expect live music and plenty of dancing.
The menu features many Cuban favorites, including tostones ($4.25), yuca fries ($4.25) and Papa Rellena ($2.50) as appetizers.
Entrees include Bistec Palomilla, marinated steak served with grilled onions, for $12.95. Also available is Pollo a la Plancha, grilled chicken with caramelized onions ($10.95), Arroz can Pollo, yellow rice and chicken ($10.95), and Picadillo, ground beef with raisins and spices (S9.95).
Emilios also offers a variety of sandwiches, including a grilled chicken sandwich, a roast pork sandwich, a ham croquetas sandwich and a veggie sandwich, all for between $5.50 and $6.75. To wrap up your meal, order one of the great desserts like tres leche, flan, rum cake or Midnight Havana chocolate cake, all between $3.75 and $4.75.
On my first visit, I ordered the Ropa Vieja, which is simmered shredded beef cooked in its own creole sauce ($10.45) with black beans and rice. My mother ordered Lechon Asado, marinated roast pork, for $10.95. Note that all entrees come with rice and beans, sweet or green plantains, and boiled yuca.
The Ropa Vieja was cooked and seasoned with personality. My mothers pork was moist and bursting with flavor. And as for the black beans and rice, you couldnt find any better north of Miami.
On my second visit I ordered the lunch special, half a Cubano sandwich and black beans and rice for $6.75. My father ordered half a steak sandwich with red beans and yellow rice for $6.95. Both sandwiches satisfied, but the steak sandwich was slightly tough.
Emilios also offers breakfast, with an array of breakfast sandwiches for between $2.95 and $5.95. There's also steak and eggs ($7.95) and the breakfast burritos ($3.95), and a variety of coffees and juices.
So, next time youre on the lookout for something fun, try something new at Emilios Cuban Cafe. Whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Emilios has the dish for you.
Emilio's Cuban Cafe 402 Ga. 247, Suite 300, Bonaire Three and a half stars
Phone: 225-9490 Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday Alcohol: Yes Payment: Cash and credit cards Kids menu: Yes Vegetarian selections: Yes Reservations: Not required, but on weekends would help Dress: Casual Price range: $1.50-$14.75 Wheelchair accessible: Yes Health rating: 99
